Botanical Name: Mentha aryensis

Plant Part: Flowering Herb

Extraction Method: Steam

Origin: India

Color: Colorless to Pale Yellow

Consistency: Thin

Strength of Aroma: Medium to Strong

Aromatic Scent: Sharp, Pentrating Mint Scent

Note: Top

Blends Well With: Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Lemon and Rosemary

Common Uses: Stomach Ailments, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Bruises, Sore Joints

Biblical References: Mathew 23:23, Luke 11:42

Greek Word: Strongs #2238 heduosmon {hay-doo'-os-mon}
Meaning:  1) sweet smelling, garden mint 1a) a kind of small odoriferous herb, with which the Jews used to scatter on the floors of their houses and synagogues

CAUTIONS: Could be sensitizing due to the menthol content.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY AND PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL

Ay, it’s that time of the year when Irish eyes are smiling, the blarney is flowing and everyone is “wearing of the green,” in celebration of St. Patrick’s day. Not much is known of Ireland’s patron saint, Patrick. Born to a wealthy Romano-British family in the 4th century, Patrick was abducted by Irish raiders and taken back to western Ireland. Instructed by God in a dream to flee his captors, he returned to Britain and joined the church and became a priest. In 432 he felt called back to Ireland to Christianize the pagan, polytheistic Irish. Legend has it, he used a three leafed shamrock to illustrate the trinity. He died on March 17th, 461 which is the date assigned to this celebration.

With the wearing of the green on St. Patty’s Day many other traditions have sprung up over the years. One is eating cupcakes with Peppermint flavored green tinted frosting. You might even grab a York Peppermint Patty or two in the celebration. Peppermint has always been a favorite when it comes to flavoring agents.

Peppermint or Mintha piperita is indigenous to Europe but can be found all over the world and can grow most anywhere. It is a hybrid of two plants Watermint and Spearmint. Since it is a hybrid it does not produce seed. It reproduces by spreading its rhizomes, the act of sending forth its roots and stalks shoot up through the surface. It grows up to about two feet high.

When you think of Peppermint, the first thought that comes to mind is a flavoring agent for food, archaeology has traced it back to the dawn of civilization. The earliest records have shown that it has always been used for medicinal purposes. Because of its high concentration of menthol it is used in teas, ice cream, confectionary, chewing gum and toothpaste.

It has strong qualities that can help protect internal organs against the effects of radiation during cancer treatment. According to the Journal Of Cancer and Therapeutics, “Studies in the recent past have shown that some medicinal plants possess radioprotective effects. Two species of the commonly used aromatic herb mint, Mentha piperita and M. arvensis protected mice against the γ-radiation-induced sickness and mortality.”

More and more scientists are finding the natural use of essential oils like Peppermint help the digestive tract naturally. A study at the Digestive Sciences, Department of Medicine, G.d’Annunzio University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy, said, “A 4 week treatment with peppermint oil improves abdominal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Peppermint essential oil is one of the oldest herbs to help with digestion. It is extremely effective against stomach ailments. The aroma is medium to strong because of its menthol content and its color is a pale off white to yellow.

Studies at the University of Cincinnati have shown Peppermint essential oil to help to improve concentration and mental alertness. Alan Hirsch, MD also discovered this oil helps to trigger the brain’s satiety center in hypothalamus which gives the body a sense of fullness after a meal.

It can help with body aches and bruises because of the cooling effect by constricting the capillaries. This is because Peppermint essential oil has about 85% menthol content.

Peppermint supports digestion, expels worms, decongestant, anti-infectious, antibacterial, antifungal, stimulates gallbladder, pain relieving, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory for the intestinal and urinary tract. It has also been effective against asthma, bronchitis, candida, diarrhea, fever, heartburn, hemorrhoids, hot flashes, indigestion, menstrual irregularity, headaches, motion sickness, nausea and throat infections. 

It also may help arthritis, depression, food poisoning, morning sickness, hysteria and toothaches. 

Consider the following before using Peppermint essential oil. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care consult your doctor for advice on the use of this oil. Don’t let it get in the eyes, mucus membranes, or any sensitive skin area. Do not apply to a fresh wound. 

To administer this oil, you can either diffuse or massage into the skin. Rub on the stomach or add to water or tea. Rub it into the temples for headaches or to the bottom of the feet.